12 Dec 2013

Botswana Bureau of Standards (BOBS) has committed itself to ensuring that service providers of solar photovoltaic energy system and solar water heating systems adhere to national standards.

Speaking during the Botswana Bureau of Standards seminar for service providers of solar energy systems at Marang Cresta Hotel in Francistown, BOBS principal engineer, Mr Kelebone Tsamaase said there had been reports that some solar systems had failed to live to the clients’ expectations

To control such challenges, Mr Tsamaase said every service provider of solar photovoltaic energy system and solar water heating systems should follow regulations on installation of such systems.

He said there was need to address challenges of rupturing storage tanks, collector tubes and scaling of high calcium carbonate content which closes the collector tubes causing lack of flow.

He noted that some challenges also included collector blockage by dissolved, suspended impurities and freezing of trapped water. Mr Tsamaase said to address problems of rupturing storage tanks there should be adequate insulation to maintain the heat inside the tank and protect it from corrosion.

He said service providers should check the systems for any water leakages, correct installation of non-return valves and also clear air from the system which helps prevent air locks, disturbing the water circulation.

Service providers were also encouraged to handover the manual documents to clients which includes the system description and its components such as the serial number, year of manufacture and method of fluid circulation.

Regarding the Solar photovoltaic energy, Mr Tsamaase said the system design should meet the Botswana standards which seeks to know the amount of load the system can carry, batteries it uses, panel size and cables charge controllers.

Furthermore, he said the solar resource data indicated in the Solar photovoltaic energy should show the number of days the system will take before giving out power.

For his part, BOBS principal scientist, Mr Bapiya Samakabadi said before any installers could import either of the systems they should comply with Botswana Bureau of Standards and they should have a certificate of compliance. He said failure to comply with BOBS standards by installers would result in a fine of P5 000 or a three-year prison term or both. Ends